LSD

My problem child

Albert Hofmann Jonathan Ott

A reissue of the autobiography of a major figure of the last century, providing a new translation of the work - the last to be approved by Hoffman shortly before his death

A fascinating account of the development of LSD and the societal effect it had in the last half of the 20th century

LSD

My problem child

Albert Hofmann Jonathan Ott

Description

Albert Hofmann, who died in 2008 aged 102, first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938, but the results of animal tests were so unremarkable that the chemical was abandoned. Driven by intuition, he synthesized it again in 1943, and serendipitously noticed its profound effects on himself. Although his work produced other important drugs, including methergine, hydergine and dihydroergotamine, it was LSD that shaped his career.

After his discovery of LSD's properties, Hofmann spent years researching sacred plants. He succeeded in isolating and synthesizing the active compounds in the Psilocybe mexicana mushroom, which he named psilocybin and psilocin. During the 60s, Hofmann struck up friendships with personalities such as Aldous Huxley, Gordon Wasson, and Timothy Leary. He continued to work at Sandoz until 1971 when he retired as Director of Research for the Department of Natural Products. He subsequently served as a member of the Nobel Prize Committee, and was nominated by Time magazine as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

In 2007, Albert Hofmann asked Amanda Feilding if she could publish his Problem Child, and shortly before his death he approved a new and updated translation of his autobiography (first published by McGraw Hill in 1979). It appears here for the first time in print.

LSD

My problem child

Albert Hofmann Jonathan Ott

Table of Contents

1. How LSD Originated2. LSD in Animal-Experiments and Biological Research3. Chemical Modifications of LSD4. Use of LSD in Psychiatry5. From Remedy to Inebriant6. The Mexican Relatives of LSD7. Radiance from Ernst Junger8. Meeting with Aldous Huxley9. Correspondence with the Poet-Physician Walter Vogt10. Various Visitors11. LSD-Experience and RealityInsights/Outlooks

LSD

My problem child

Albert Hofmann Jonathan Ott

Reviews and Awards

"Hofmann's LSD will be of high interest to a wide audience of curious and scientifically minded readers. Few books about how science unfolds are as captivating and intruiging as this volume." --Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

LSD

My problem child

Albert Hofmann Jonathan Ott

From Our Blog

By Amanda Feilding Albert Hofmann was one of the most important scientists of our time, who through his famous discovery of LSD, crossed the bridge from the world of science into the spiritual realm, transforming social and political culture in his wake. He was both rationalist and mystic, chemist and visionary, and in this duality we find his true spirit.